Tea lovers in Mumbai are spoilt for choice. We pick 5 of the best tea boutiques and cafes in the city. Read on...
ADVERTISEMENT
Tea Villa Café
Where: Pardhy House, Opposite Jain Temple, Junction of MG Road and Hanuman Road, Vile Parle (E). Timings: 8 am to 11 pm
Why? Tea Villa Café has 50 of the world’s 100 best varieties of tea sourced from suppliers in Dubai. The Love Tea, a mix of green tea, marigold flowers and jasmine flowers, is stellar. Another notable mention is the Monkey Chief (Taiping Hou Kui), which has an interesting story behind it. One of the ten most famous teas produced in China, the tea leaves are said to be picked by monkeys from the shrubs. (Read more)
Tapri Tea Lounge
Where: 2B-50, Phoenix Paragon Plaza, LBS Marg, Kamani, Kurla (W). Call: 9619851379. Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Why? The small open space with its cane furniture, false brick walls and small glass tables, will remind you of a relaxed verandah. Opened in July 2015, the tea lounge offers a wide variety of both international and desi teas. The White Tea (Rs 127) is the one we would recommend. This tea, known to be the least processed of all teas and one with the least amount of caffeine, but high on antioxidants, was refreshing. (Read more)
Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House
Where: St John Baptist Road, near Bru World Cafe, Bandra (W). Call: 26420330. Timings: 7.30 am to 11.30 pm
Why? After stepping into the Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House you are transported to a quaint bungalow-like setting where one spacious room leads to another. Warmly-lit with ample space, the outlet presents different tea-related elements in its setting. the Karipatta Delight (Rs 130), a warm cup of slightly spicy tea with an aftertaste of curry leaves is a must-have. It is paired with Crispy Bread Upma with homemade chutney, and Ragi Masala Dhokla with roasted anise tomatoes. (Read more)
San-Cha
Where: 11 A Machinery House, opposite Trishna, Kala Ghoda. Call: 40020852. Timings: 12 pm to 10 pm (Mondays closed)
Why? If you take your tea seriously and wish to sample a few exotic varieties, San-Cha at Kala Ghoda is your place to be. This is the Delhi-based gourmet tea brand’s first boutique in Mumbai (fourth in India). The boutique doesn’t function like a café, which means you can’t sit down and order a cuppa, but the staff will be more than happy to offer several free tastings. (Read more)
Tea & Tea
Where: Om Vithoba Rukhmani Apartment, shop no 2, Juhu Road. Call: 9821700041
Why? If you’re a tea fanatic, drop by Tea & Tea for their exhaustive menu, which features over 38 varieties of tea. Notable mentions include, the Pudina Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa and the Mango Iced Tea among others. The airconditioned, white walls interiors; the half teapots jutting out of its walls and wood-panelled interiors along with its open kitchen give a good feel about the place. (Read more)